Church, state dependence creates a conundrum

Congressman Paul Ryan certainly is correct about one thing: he believes that churches, in order to protect their integrity, should not depend on government subsidies, i.e. they should rely on their own resources.

In other words, they should pay property taxes. Wow! Although Ryan is right, his proposal stands in bold opposition to many Catholic leaders, who want even more public money in order to prop up parochial schools and other church activities.

Does Mitt Romney agree with Ryan? In Utah a few years ago a voucher proposal was voted down decisively despite strong support from the Mormon hierarchy, who also sought taxpayer money for church schools.

Furthermore, why stop with property taxes? Why not remove the tax exemption for charitable deductions that help folks like Romney reduce their tax burden? This, too, is a subsidy from us taxpayers.

So, on one hand we find the Roman Catholic hierarchy claiming that their parishioners are victims when they do not receive government money, while, on the other, a prominent Catholic stating that his brethren are victims if they do.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Church, state dependence creates a conundrum

Donald D. Meyer Labadie Congressman Paul Ryan certainly is correct about one thing: he believes that churches, in order to protect their integrity, should not depend on government subsidies, i.e.